Where travellers choose to stay is increasingly shaping where they go, and new figures suggest that shift is working in favour of several UAE destinations ahead of 2026.
Data from Skyscanner indicates that Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are emerging as strong holiday contenders for travellers from Germany, Switzerland, Canada and South Korea, driven not only by flights and prices but by the appeal of accommodation itself. The findings are outlined in Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2026, which points to growing interest in destinations that feel distinctive without being oversaturated.
Sharjah stands out in European markets. Searches from Germany more than doubled, rising by 101% compared with 2024, a trend linked to affordable flight options as well as the emirate’s cultural sites, heritage districts and coastline. Interest from Switzerland followed a similar trajectory, with searches up 99% in 2025 versus the previous year.
Other UAE cities are benefiting from different advantages. Dubai has seen increased attention from Canadian travellers, supported by extensive air connections and visa-free access, alongside a 16% average drop in prices compared with 2024. Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, has gained traction in South Korea after fares fell by 27% in 2025.
Across markets, the report shows that accommodation is no longer a secondary consideration. More than three-quarters of travellers surveyed said they selected their destination purely because of where they could stay. The influence is particularly strong among younger travellers, with 77% of Gen Z respondents and 78% of Millennials citing accommodation as a deciding factor.
Separate Skyscanner data underscores Dubai’s momentum in this area. Advance hotel redirect searches and bookings for the city increased by 89.7% compared with 2024. Looking ahead to 2026, travellers are also planning longer visits, with average stays expected to reach six days, up from four in 2025.
The breadth of the UAE’s hotel offering continues to draw international attention, ranging from beachfront resorts and expansive leisure facilities to properties located near theme parks and major shopping destinations. This variety is reflected in booking interest from travellers in the UK, India, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Australia and the Netherlands for 2026 holidays.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “The UAE has always been a popular choice for international travellers thanks to its warm climate, geographical position with easy flight connectivity, rich culture and entertainment options. Hotels have been at the forefront of this growth, meeting the rising demand and elevating the visitor experience. As people increasingly look at destinations based on accommodation preferences, hotels in the UAE are expanding their offerings with family-friendly facilities and services, strengthening the country as an appealing choice for a getaway.”
